Twin Dragons – Review June 9, 2009

The reason Twin Dragons succeeds for me is because the film relies on slapstick comedy, instead of spoken humor, and Jackie Chan is a master of that particular comedic art form. Chan doesn’t need to be funny to be funny, he already is, and at his best it’s impossible not to laugh out loud at the sheer joy and exuberance at which he dazzles the audience. Chan uses the items around him, be it ladders, eggs, chairs, refrigerators, pinball machines, etc., to keep the action sequences interesting, and the result is nothing less than stunning. Hours of boredom are quickly redeemed by five minutes of pure mind-blowing action.

Twin Dragons revolves around twin brothers, both played by Jackie Chan, who are separated at birth. One brother, John, grows up to become an exceptionally talented musician who travels the world conducting orchestras. The other brother, Boomer, grows up on the streets and makes his way through the world with various odd jobs, and fighting whenever necessary. Through the years Boomer picks up a troubled friend, Tyson, who constantly shoots off his big mouth, placing the pair in constant trouble. Tyson soon manages to get on the bad side of a local mob boss who targets both Tyson and Boomer when they loose a high-stakes car race.

The way the film puts two Jackies into a frame is highly accomplished and inventive, but in some shots, it’s clear we’re witnessing a special effect, but mostly it’s seamless and the interactions feel very natural. The fight sequences are just about everything you’d want to see from Jackie Chan and Twin Dragons adds boat chases, car crashes and explosions galore. When the two Chans come face to face, let’s just say that some of the sequences are remarkable.

The biggest dissappointment for me was at the very end of the film as the credits rolled and … no outtakes. I’ve been accustomed to seeing Jackie Chan outtakes at the end of his films and I felt a little bummed walking away from the film. Don’t get me wrong, this is a very entertaining film, but ultimately you’d be better entertained by renting one of the many other great Chan movies that hasn’t been punched up with and excessive American adventure soundtrack and new voice-overs. Speaking of which, the dub is hideous. But, complaints aside, this is a fun little movie that you should check out if you’re a Jackie Chan fan.

Sounds like the perfect light-hearted Friday night flick. I’ll have to see it, especially if he’s in great comedy form. Just like Jackie, I’m crazy about Buster Keaton, and can’t pass up a good slapstick movie.